Does anyone still read magazines?

I enrolled in a unit on magazines as part of my Masters program this semester and at first struggled with the decision. As a time poor mum of two, was it really a good decision to study a medium that by many accounts is done and dusted?

In the end, it has reignited my love for magazines and despite the lack of choice on the stands of supermarket shelves, there is plenty of choice if you’re willing to go looking.

I have always been a magazine lover. When I scored work experience spots at the likes of Dolly, Cosmopolitan and Girlfriend magazines I couldn’t have been more excited. Most of salary went on magazines throughout my twenties and I devoured them cover to cover.

So what happened? Digital media.

The Australian magazine industry pretty much crumbled during the 2010s with title after titled, including majors such as Cosmo and Cleo closed.

So, does anyone still read magazines?

The answer is yes, people are still reading magazines. The Australian Women’s Weekly is currently celebrating its 90th birthday, there are numerous niche and independent publications available and we have the added benefit of accessing international titles digitally. It is just a very different industry to what it once was! A magazine these days often is seen as a brand extension or delivered completely as a digital publication. Personally, I still love a glossy mag but read must on the iPad. Are you a magazine buyer/reader?